BJP’s victory rally to clash with Kejriwal’s swearing in

Arvind Kejriwal’s swearing in as chief minister of Delhi on December 28 at the Ramlila Maidan is set to clash with rival Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) rally to thank its supporters who helped them bag 32 seats in the state assembly.

Arvind Kejriwal’s swearing in as chief minister of Delhi on December 28 at the Ramlila Maidan is set to clash with rival Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) rally to thank its supporters who helped them bag 32 seats in the state assembly.

Though the BJP had decided to hold the rally at Talkatora stadium on December 28, nearly a week ago, Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung decided to pick the same same date for the swearing-in ceremony at noon. BJP’s ‘Abhinandan Rally’, however, has been scheduled to start at 3 pm.

The BJP’s turning down of Jung’s invitation to form a government did not go well with many senior members of the party who felt they deserved a second shot at a re-election.

“The entire focus of people has entirely been on AAP and we had decided to hold this rally to remind people how well the BJP has fared. But now even on Saturday there is bound to be more talk regarding the oath ceremony. It has become a little embarrassing for the party,” said a senior BJP leader.

Party sources said to ensure there is a huge turnout on Saturday all the 70 candidates have been asked to be present at the ‘Abhinandan rally’ along with the party workers. The top brass of the BJP, including party president Rajnath Singh, Delhi election in-charge Nitin Gadkari and other senior leaders will be present.

“Right from all the elected members, the other candidates have also been asked to be present. All the workers and supporters who helped them during campaigning will also be there. We have even invited the general public for the rally,” said another party leader.